Visa by professional group
On this page you will find out everything about the visa regulations for different professional groups.
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German residence law sometimes imposes different rules depending on the profession . For example, members of so-called shortage occupations (e.g., IT specialists) can apply for a visa under simplified conditions, while some professional groups must undergo very complicated review and recognition processes. The requirements for a residence permit (e.g., regarding training) also often differ. This is primarily due to the fact that labor migration in Germany is heavily influenced by political factors.
On this page, you will find legal articles on the regulations applicable to your specific professional group. The residence options described in these articles for specific professional groups generally apply regardless of skilled worker status. These options therefore exist (provided you have recognized professional or academic training) in parallel with the options for skilled worker immigration .
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IT specialists
Most residence exceptions apply to IT specialists. The German IT industry is booming – and qualified specialists from abroad are in greater demand than ever. Many IT experts apply for the EU Blue Card , which can be obtained by IT specialists even without a formally recognized university degree. There is also a special visa that makes it easier for experienced IT experts from non-EU countries to access the German labor market based on professional experience. The basis for this is Section 19c Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 6 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV). For further information on the topic of residence for IT experts in Germany, we have written a separate VISAGUARD article .
Nurses and doctors
Relevant visa-related issues also arise for foreign nurses and third-country national doctors. Those who have completed training or studies in the nursing field can apply for a work visa under certain conditions. This usually requires a recognized professional qualification procedure, a specific job offer in Germany, and—depending on the position—German language skills at B1 or B2 level. We have also written separate articles on the recognition of foreign nurses and the recognition of medical licenses . There you will find further in-depth information.
artist
The residence of third-country nationals is particularly relevant in Berlin. The artist visa or residence permit for artists is particularly privileged in Berlin due to social interests. Artists can therefore relatively easily apply for their own residence permit in Berlin (e.g., as a freelancer). We have also written a separate article on the residence of artists in Berlin .
Significance of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV)
The Employment Ordinance (BeschV) also forms a central legal basis for the issuance of work visas without a recognized qualification. The Employment Ordinance sets out the requirements for the admission of third-country nationals to the German labor market for specific professional groups (usually regardless of existing qualifications). The Employment Ordinance establishes its residence permit effect, particularly through Section 19c Paragraph 1 and Section 19c Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), which stipulate that a residence permit can be issued if the Employment Ordinance provides for the ability to consent ("if the Employment Ordinance or an intergovernmental agreement stipulates that the foreign national can be admitted to the employment in question."). The ordinance was drafted and published by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the Federal Ministry of the Interior. It is regularly updated to ensure flexible responses to current developments in the labor market and migration law.
